WASHINGTON — State Rep. Tim Greimel, D-Auburn Hills, has received the endorsement of the National Organization for Women (NOW) for a seat in Congress despite the fact that he's running against two women for the Democratic nomination.

Greimel on Monday shared with the Free Press a letter from Linda Berg, political director of NOW's Political Action Committee, endorsing him in the race to replace U.S. Rep. Dave Trott, R-Birmingham, citing Greimel's "dedication to feminist issues."

"We look forward to working with you to achieve full equality for women and girls," Berg wrote in the letter to Greimel, which was dated Feb. 7.

Greimel is one of five Democrats running to replace Trott in the Republican-leaning district. Two women — Haley Stevens, who was chief of staff to former President Barack Obama's auto task force, and Fayrouz Saad, who was Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan's director of immigrant affairs — are among those running, along with entrepreneurs Suneel Gupta and Dan Haberman.

Six Republicans are also running for that party's nomination in the district, which political analysts believe may be a close race for an open seat. Trott is stepping down after two terms in office.

Kim Beebe, president of the Oakland and Macomb County chapter of NOW, said she worked with Greimel to secure the nomination because he has longstanding ties with the group.

"Tim has been very supportive of women's issues," she said. "He has a proven track record."

Greimel said he was honored by the endorsement and proud of his record on women's issues. "In Washington I'll work to amplify the voices of women fighting on the front lines to protect the equal rights of all women and girls," he said.

Contact Todd Spangler at 703-854-8947 or at tspangler@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter at @tsspangler.